Individual State Agency Fiscal Note, 1102 HB, Veteran support and services
Summary
Individual State Agency Fiscal Note for 1102 HB, titled Veteran support and services, from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Service Officer Account-State estimate for 2025-27 is 1,124,000, made up of 775,000 for FY 2026 and 349,000 for FY 2027. The narrative says Section 2 requires contacting veterans within 90 days of military discharge, and Section 3 requires a Veterans Service Officer program for eligible counties where the percentage of veterans receiving federal disability or pension compensation falls below the national average. The department assumes it will expand the program by up to six counties over the next three biennium budget cycles.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Cite this document
“Individual State Agency Fiscal Note, 1102 HB, Veteran support and services.”
Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-01-21-a32493-d275877-1102-fn-0c6b10c8dc/
, SHA-256 0fba06400c4266e6daab4b528f8b0a6d2a102bf593f6e11b523b86693168d7b8.Full text
Individual State Agency Fiscal Note
Bill Number: 1102 HB Title: Veteran support and services Agency: 305-Department of Veterans
Affairs
Part I: Estimates
No Fiscal Impact
Estimated Cash Receipts to:
NONE
Estimated Operating Expenditures from:
FY 2026 FY 2027 2025-27 2027-29 2029-31
FTE Staff Years 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 2.3
Account
Veterans Service Officer Account-State 775,000 349,000 1,124,000 788,000 1,199,000
24F-1
Total $ 775,000 349,000 1,124,000 788,000 1,199,000
Estimated Capital Budget Impact:
NONE
The cash receipts and expenditure estimates on this page represent the most likely fiscal impact. Factors impacting the precision of these estimates,
and alternate ranges (if appropriate), are explained in Part II.
Check applicable boxes and follow corresponding instructions:
If fiscal impact is greater than $50,000 per fiscal year in the current biennium or in subsequent biennia, complete entire fiscal note
X
form Parts I-V.
If fiscal impact is less than $50,000 per fiscal year in the current biennium or in subsequent biennia, complete this page only (Part I).
Capital budget impact, complete Part IV.
Requires new rule making, complete Part V.
Legislative Contact: Martha Wehling Phone: 360-786-7067 Date: 01/06/2025
Agency Preparation: Troy Cerny Phone: 3607252661 Date: 01/17/2025
Agency Approval: Yacob Zekarias Phone: 253-545-1942 Date: 01/17/2025
OFM Review: Arnel Blancas Phone: (360) 000-0000 Date: 01/22/2025
Form FN (Rev 1/00) 197,435.00 Request # 305-25-001-3
FNS063 Individual State Agency Fiscal Note 1 Bill # 1102 HB
Part II: Narrative Explanation
II. A - Brief Description Of What The Measure Does That Has Fiscal Impact
Significant provisions of the bill and any related workload or policy assumptions that have revenue or expenditure impact on the responding agency by
section number.
Section 2 generates fiscal impact to Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) by requiring the agency to
provide veterans information regarding available veterans services. Subject to appropriated funding, this includes:
- Contacting veterans within 90 days of military discharge to provide information on benefits and services.
- Providing county-specific information on the department website about services and resources.
- Producing a biennial report to the governor and legislature detailing the Veteran Service Officer program.
Section 3 generates fiscal impact to WDVA by mandating the establishment and maintenance of a Veterans Service
Officer program targeting “eligible counties”. Eligible counties are defined as those where the percentage of veterans
receiving federal disability or pension compensation falls below the national average. Responsibilities include:
- Establishing a process to educate local governments, veterans, and active service members in the National Guard or
Armed Forces Reserve about the program.
- Developing partnerships with local governments to assist in establishing and maintaining Veterans Service Officers in
eligible counties that chose to participate.
- Providing funding to support eligible counties in establishing and maintaining local accredited Veterans Service Officers.
II. B - Cash receipts Impact
Cash receipts impact of the legislation on the responding agency with the cash receipts provisions identified by section number and when appropriate, the
detail of the revenue sources. Description of the factual basis of the assumptions and the method by which the cash receipts impact is derived. Explanation
of how workload assumptions translate into estimates. Distinguished between one time and ongoing functions.
II. C - Expenditures
Agency expenditures necessary to implement this legislation (or savings resulting from this legislation), with the provisions of the legislation that result in
the expenditures (or savings) identified by section number. Description of the factual basis of the assumptions and the method by which the expenditure
impact is derived. Explanation of how workload assumptions translate into cost estimates. Distinguished between one time and ongoing functions.
To meet these requirements, WDVA assumes the following:
- The bill’s definition constitutes 25 "eligible counties".
- Per Section 1 of the bill, the legislature intends to expand the VSO program by up to two veterans service officers per
biennium, beginning with the counties with the lowest percentage of benefits received. As such, WDVA assumes we will
expand the program by up to six counties over the next three biennium budget cycles. It is our intent to eventually expand
the VSO program to support all Washington counties, but growth beyond six counties will require additional FTEs in the
future; however, we expect it will be at a lower rate than what is needed to support the initial scaling up of the program and
new requirements of this bill.
- The bill provides up to $160,000 annually to expand the VSO program for each additional county. This request assumes
continued funding for the six counties currently participating in the program.
- To support the initial implementation of this bill and meet new requirements, we are proposing reclassifying an existing
WMS1 manager position to WMS2 that solely dedicates a full-time oversight of the program. This role will oversee the
VSO program on a long-term basis. Since the program’s inception in 2019, WDVA has aligned existing resources to
manage its operations. However, the absence of allocated FTEs and the loss of local funding that previously supported the
program have created significant challenges.
Reclassifying the WMS1 manager position and adding a Program Specialist position are critical to the program’s success,
ensuring compliance with federal regulatory requirements and mitigating risks associated with delivering VSO services.
- Enhancements will be required for the department’s information technology systems and public facing website.
Veteran support and services 305-Department of Veterans Affairs
Form FN (Rev 1/00) 197,435.00 Request # 305-25-001-3
FNS063 Individual State Agency Fiscal Note 2 Bill # 1102 HB
- Rulemaking will be necessary to establish processes for counties to apply for Veteran Service Officer Program funds,
allocate resources to eligible counties, and address situations where eligible counties choose not to participate. Additionally,
rules will need to define requirements for participating counties to ensure their County Veteran Service Officers are trained,
accredited, and monitored by WDVA. This includes allowing veterans from adjacent counties to access services from
participating counties' Veteran Service Officers. It is recommended to create a new section under WAC 484-10 specific to
the Veteran Service Officer Program.
As the state veteran agency, WDVA will also assume responsibility for:
- Providing Veteran Service Officer training and VA accreditation
- Ensuring access to IT systems for county officers
- Conducting quality assurance and reporting on VA claims
- Representing VA claims appeals submitted by county officers
- Ensuring compliance with federal rules related to County Veteran Service Officers
WDVA assumes a ramp-up from 1.3 FTE to 2.3 FTE impact when funding is expanded to additional counties: 1.0 WMS
Band 2 (WMS2), 1.0 Program Specialist 5 (PS5), 1.0 Management Analyst 3 (PS3), and 0.3 IT App Development –
Journey (ITAPP-J).
WMS2 position (FY26 Start): - Reclassifying an existing WMS1 to WMS2 position
The WMS 2 position is critical to oversee all aspects of this program, including:
- Contract Management: overseeing client service contracts with counties receiving program funding
- Legislative Reporting: developing and submitting required legislative reports
- Outreach and Education: providing education and support to local governments on program implementation
- Regulatory Compliance and VA Appeals Management: managing compliance with federal regulations related to the
training, accreditation, and monitoring of veterans service offices and ensuring full representation before the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans Appeals
- Personnel Management: Supervising and coordinating other agency staff supporting the program. This includes staff
responsible for:
-- Outreach to new veterans
-- Maintaining county-specific information on the department website
-- Collecting and analyzing program data (demographic, workload, and outcomes)
-- Veteran service officer training, accreditation, quality assurance, and VA appeals representation (as required by federal
regulations)
To address program expansion and successfully meet contract and reporting requirements, WDVA proposes reclassifying
an existing WMS1 to a WMS2 level. To accommodate the salary difference between the WMS 1 and WMS 2
classifications, we request additional $25,000/yr funding. This reclassification will provide the program with enhanced
leadership and expertise to effectively serve veterans across the state.
PS5 position (FY26 Start):
The PS5 position plays a vital role in the success of the Veteran Service Officer Program by educating stakeholders and
delivering high-quality training to county officers. This position conducts outreach to local governments, veterans, and
service members to increase awareness of the program and ensures county Veteran Service Officers are well-equipped to
assist veterans effectively and comply with federal regulations.
Comprehensive training, provided by this position, is critical for both new and experienced Veteran Service Officers to stay
current with the complex and rapidly changing state and federal rules and regulations governing veterans' benefits. These
include disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, education, and employment benefits. By ensuring the delivery of
high-quality training, this role directly impacts veterans' ability to access the benefits they deserve.
Success Metrics:
- Number of outreach events conducted (e.g., workshops, presentations, community meetings)
- Number of partnerships established with relevant organizations
Veteran support and services 305-Department of Veterans Affairs
Form FN (Rev 1/00) 197,435.00 Request # 305-25-001-3
FNS063 Individual State Agency Fiscal Note 3 Bill # 1102 HB
- Number of county Veteran Service Officers trained
- Participant satisfaction with training programs
MA5 position (FY30 Start):
The MA5 position is responsible for compiling and analyzing demographic, program workload, and outcome data required by
this bill and collected through the Veteran Service Officer Program. This data supports the Program Manager in completing
legislative reports.
Additional duties include managing administrative requirements related to contracts, budgets, revenues, and expenses. The
position also ensures veterans are contacted within 90 days of receiving their military discharge and maintains veterans’
discharge data. Furthermore, the MA5 develops and maintains county-specific information on the department’s website,
identifying services and resources available to veterans.
ITAPP-J position:
The ITAPP-J position ensures the ongoing maintenance and updates of information technology systems supporting the
Veteran Service Officer Program. This role is critical for implementing new features, ensuring system functionality, and
aligning technology with evolving state and federal legislative requirements.
In addition to FTE, WDVA assumes the following impact:
$386,000 impact in FY26 for contractor support:
- 1044 hours for an augmented Business Analyst: $146,000
- 2088 hours for an augmented Developer, $240,000
These resources are necessary to fulfill the following requirements and associated tasks:
-Enhance the case management system and implement a new Power Automate process to streamline and track the
creation and delivery of department outreach to newly discharged veterans.
-Provide augmented development support to design, build, and test the required database functionality.
-Collect development requirements, map individual program processes, and establish an integrated process framework
based on program needs.
-Develop, create, and test user stories and wireframe diagrams to guide system functionality and design.
-Ensure all products comply with OCIO standards for usability and accessibility.
-Integrate a new website with Power BI to categorize and display available services by county, implement enhanced query
features, and ensure effective collection of website presentation requirements. This includes developing wireframe
concepts, testing, and refining user stories.
-Integrate data from case management systems and Veteran Service Officer claims systems, consolidating information
from multiple data sources for seamless access and analysis.
$100,000/year for specialized training: assumption is 50 people, to include department FTEs and county veteran service
officers, trained at approximately $2,000/person. Training would include in-person and web-based virtual training using the
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), which ensures the highest quality of updated instruction on VA
benefits and claims.
$42,000/year travel costs for 3.0 FTE, and key leaders, to attend meetings with county stakeholders and partners at stand
downs and host Town Halls and/or public meetings, trainings, across the state to disseminate information and talk with
veterans and their families in their local settings. Tasks include:
- Building relationships with county officials, veteran service officers, and community partners
- Gather input and feedback to ensure the program meets the needs of veterans in different regions
- Provide on-the-ground support and address challenges faced by local stakeholders
- Promote awareness of the program and its services among veterans and their families
Veteran support and services 305-Department of Veterans Affairs
Form FN (Rev 1/00) 197,435.00 Request # 305-25-001-3
FNS063 Individual State Agency Fiscal Note 4 Bill # 1102 HB
$20,000/year for postage, envelopes, and printing letterhead and brochures: assumes welcome home letters mailed to new
veterans within 90 days of receipt of discharge, approximately 7,000 letters per year.
$35,000/year for 50 Tyler Technologies’ licenses at $700 each: required EVCMS enhancement to establish the new
Veterans Service Officer program.
Part III: Expenditure Detail
III. A - Operating Budget Expenditures
Account Account Title Type FY 2026 FY 2027 2025-27 2027-29 2029-31
24F-1 Veterans Service State 775,000 349,000 1,124,000 788,000 1,199,000
Officer Account
Total $ 775,000 349,000 1,124,000 788,000 1,199,000
III. B - Expenditures by Object Or Purpose
FY 2026 FY 2027 2025-27 2027-29 2029-31
FTE Staff Years 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 2.3
A-Salaries and Wages 146,000 146,000 292,000 292,000 488,000
B-Employee Benefits 50,000 49,000 99,000 98,000 168,000
C-Professional Service Contracts 386,000 386,000
E-Goods and Other Services 72,000 87,000 159,000 254,000 318,000
G-Travel 28,000 28,000 56,000 56,000 84,000
J-Capital Outlays 6,000 6,000 6,000
M-Inter Agency/Fund Transfers
N-Grants, Benefits & Client Services
P-Debt Service
S-Interagency Reimbursements
T-Intra-Agency Reimbursements 87,000 39,000 126,000 88,000 135,000
9-
Total $ 775,000 349,000 1,124,000 788,000 1,199,000
III. C - Operating FTE Detail: List FTEs by classification and corresponding annual compensation. Totals need to agree with total FTEs in
Part I and Part IIIA
Job Classification Salary FY 2026 FY 2027 2025-27 2027-29 2029-31
107L: PROGRAM SPECIALIST 5 88,800 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
109M: MANAGEMENT ANALYST 5 98,040 1.0
483AD: IT APP DEVELOPMENT - 107,148 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
JOURNEY
Total FTEs 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 2.3
III. D - Expenditures By Program (optional)
Program FY 2026 FY 2027 2025-27 2027-29 2029-31
Veterans Services (020) 775,000 349,000 1,124,000 788,000 1,199,000
Total $ 775,000 349,000 1,124,000 788,000 1,199,000
Part IV: Capital Budget Impact
IV. A - Capital Budget Expenditures
NONE
IV. B - Expenditures by Object Or Purpose
NONE
IV. C - Capital Budget Breakout
Acquisition and construction costs not reflected elsewhere on the fiscal note and description of potential financing methods.
Veteran support and services 305-Department of Veterans Affairs
Form FN (Rev 1/00) 197,435.00 Request # 305-25-001-3
FNS063 Individual State Agency Fiscal Note 5 Bill # 1102 HB
NONE
IV. D - Capital FTE Detail: FTEs listed by classification and corresponding annual compensation. Totals agree with total FTEs in Part IVB.
NONE
Part V: New Rule Making Required
Provisions of the bill that require the agency to adopt new administrative rules or repeal/revise existing rules.
Veteran support and services 305-Department of Veterans Affairs
Form FN (Rev 1/00) 197,435.00 Request # 305-25-001-3
FNS063 Individual State Agency Fiscal Note 6 Bill # 1102 HB
File and source
- File
- 2025-01-21_a32493_d275877_1102-fn.pdf
- Size
- 124,979 bytes
- SHA-256
- 0fba06400c4266e6daab4b528f8b0a6d2a102bf593f6e11b523b86693168d7b8
- Original
- No public link identified.